Chloe Palmer praises CCT following her volunteer coaching work

Volunteer coach Chloe Palmer says working with CITY Community Trust has helped her with her personal progression having moved from the Amber Foundation, who help homeless and unemployed young people move on to positive and independent futures.

Chloe has recently moved into the YMCA at St David's Hill and currently volunteers as a supporting coach at CCT’s Down's syndrome sessions, at Powerchair and on disability holiday courses. She also volunteers two days a week at ROC Active (who work with people with learning disabilities and autism, encouraging them to take part in various sports regularly,) at the Riverside.

Chloe is also a member of CCT’s women's Ability Counts team and attends the Tuesday lunchtime Opportunity Club at Riverside and plays in the bimonthly mental health tournaments.

Pleased with her development since she moved into accommodation with the Amber Foundation, Chloe said: “Things changed when I got to Amber. I was like a volcano at first - I had so many emotions, which I couldn’t cope with.

“I had no confidence and my self-esteem was shot. But no one gave up on me. Coming here (to the Amber Foundation) has given me the stability and routine I’ve never had. My team leader has helped me find new coping strategies and work out what direction to go in. I’ve also been able to see a counsellor regularly and do an Art group which has been really helpful.

“I started playing football again each week and joined five-a-side league. I’ve also got into volunteering as a sports coach with Exeter City Community Trust and Roc Active.

“Football has become my outlet for my frustrations, channelling my emotions in a positive way. I really get a buzz from coaching and seeing people improve so I want to continue with my volunteering and work towards a paid position in the future."

The EFL Trust's Every Players Counts programme which helps fund CCT’s disability/inclusion projects which Chloe has benefited from has the aim of increasing sports participation for all.

The activities, delivered by 25 EFL Club Trusts, provide opportunities such as powerchair football, football for visual impairment, learning difficulties, amputees and autism or with mental health concerns to either get into football for the first time or build their confidence to return and improve.

Everyone at CCT wishes Chloe all the best as continues to build a bright future for herself